Paul catalogs the marks of authentic ministry: afflictions, labors, sleeplessness, purity, knowledge, longsuffering, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, and the word of truth, as unknown yet well known, dying yet living, poor yet making many rich. He appeals for the Corinthians to open their hearts (which have narrowed toward him) and commands separation from unbelievers, citing promises of divine dwelling and Fatherhood for those who come out from among them.
Read 2 Corinthians Chapter 6 Summary
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The Temple
View on MapThe Temple in Jerusalem was the permanent house of worship built by Solomon on Mount Moriah. Destroyed by Babylon, it was rebuilt by Zerubbabel and later greatly expanded by Herod. Jesus taught in the Temple courts, cleared it of merchants, and predicted its destruction, which occurred in 70 AD.
Position in Book
Comfort in AfflictionChapters 1-2
New Covenant MinistryChapters 3-6
Glory of new covenant, treasure in clay jars, reconciliation.
Generous GivingChapters 7-9
Paul's DefenseChapters 10-13
Bible Bites
Paul's Letter Written with Tears
Before writing 2 Corinthians, Paul wrote a severe letter to the Corinthians 'out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears' after a painful visit. This 'letter of tears' is mentioned in 2 Corinthians but may now be lost to history.
2 Corinthians 2:3-4